Why should Bangladesh shoulder this burden

Shamsul Huq Zahid brCan Bangladesh, an over-populated resource-starved country, take the load of refugees crossing into its land from neighbouring countries Certainly not. brYet much against the wishes of Bangladesh, thousands of Myanmar population known as 'Rohingyas' have crossed into Bangladesh, putting additional pressure on its scarce resources. This unwanted infiltration of a large number of people from the provinces of Arakan and Mongdu of neighbouring Myanmar for many years has been a headache for the administration. In spite of its best endeavours, Bangladesh has not been successful in resolving the Rohingya refugee issue. brThere exists gross mismatch between the official and unofficial estimates of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Official estimates show the existence of only 37000 Rohingya refugees. But unofficial estimate puts the figure at nearly 400,000. According to official estimate, of about 250000 Rohingya refugees who had crossed into Bangladesh, nearly 230000 had gone back to their homeland-Myanmar-- following confidence-building steps taken by the administration of that country under international pressure. brBut there has been an unending stream of Rohingya refugees flowing into Bangladesh. Whenever the level of persecution by the Myanmar Nassaka goes up, the flow of refugees rises. Of late, an increased number of Rohingyas are, reportedly, coming into Bangladesh through 13 border points along Cox's Bazaar and Naikhangchari. Influx of so many Rohingyas has brought about a change in the demographic character of the Cox's Bazaar district. brAccording information reaching across the border, the fresh influx of Rohingya refugees has been triggered by repression unleashed by the military junta of Myanmar on Rakhaines, Kachins and Muslims in the provinces of Arakan and Mongdu. The local administration in those provinces, reportedly, has taken all their belongings and forced them to leave the country. Failing to bear with the repressive acts of the infamous Nassaka, the repressed Myanmar people are entering Bangladesh through unprotected border points. brActually, the existence of remaining authorized Rohingya camps have been the trouble spots for the local administration. Not only these camps have been encouraging the so-called Rohingyas to cross into Bangladesh but also playing an instrumental role in the deterioration of law and order in Cox's Bazaar district. brWhenever Bangladesh raised the issue concerning the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland, the international agency concerned tried to remind the former the rule that no refugee can be send back to the country of origin against hisher will. But the reasons behind the unwillingness of the refugees to go back to their own country have never been looked into in the right perspective. brWhatever may be the reasons for the Rohingyas to leave their country, Bangladesh, considered one of the poorest nations in the world, cannot afford feeding refugees. The country is already carrying the burden of nearly 1.0 million-though official figure is far less-- refugees, known as Biharis, who had opted to go to Pakistan in 1972. Pakistan has breached the promise it made time and again to take back the Biharis. Pakistan is unlikely to take back the Biharis who are leading a miserable life in Bangladesh. brHowever, the Biharis who migrated to the then East Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947 are in an advantageous position compared to the Rohingyas. The Biharis, living mainly in camps in Dhaka, Syedpur and Lalmonirhat areas, are familiar with the Bangalees and their cultures and customs. They are somehow managing their lives by picking up different vocations. brRecently, following a High Court verdict, the Biharis, who were born after the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, have become eligible for Bangladesh citizenship. Though the elderly Biharis are still awaiting repatriation to Pakistan and are not willing to take up Bangladesh citizenship, younger generation is found to be more interested to live in this country as its citizens. brSo, an over-populated country has a refugee population of nearly 1.5 million with no aid coming from the international agencies for their sustenance. The UN agency responsible for looking after the welfare of the refugees has not been that proactive to organize repatriation either of the Bihari or the Rohingya refugees. These refugees are not only putting additional pressure on scarce resources but also have emerged a major problem to the social safety and security. brThe Rohingyas are found involved in crimes of different nature, including arms smuggling, trafficking of women and children and drug trade. Rohingyas are used as couriers of drugs such as heroin and yaba tablets. brThe government has failed to solve the refugee problem since it has not addressed the issue seriously. Though the international aid agencies are making available some assistance to the Rohingya refugees, no such aid is now given the Biharis. However, in camps, both Rohingyas and refugees are getting electricity and water supply free of cost. In Dhaka, the Biharis are occupying a large area of valuable land belonging either to the government or to individuals. brIt is high time the government should take up the refugee issue rather seriously with the UN agency concerned. If it finds the repatriation of the Biharis is not possible, then it should grant citizenship and prepare a proper rehabilitation plan for them. The Bihari camps, which have been vitiating the environment in residential areas of Mirpur and Mohammadpur in Dhaka city, need to be dismantled and the inmates of the camps rehabilitated in the outskirts of the city. However, no such rehabilitation is generally planned in case of poor Bangalee population evicted from unauthorized slums. As far as Rohingya refugee problem is concerned, the government should reopen diplomatic dialogues with the Myanmar and request it to do the needful to take back its citizens and stop actions that trigger Rohingyas to flee their homes and take shelter in the neighbouring country.